Devotion: "But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men..."

Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them. They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger.
But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues, and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men".
Matthew 23:1-7

My recent client couldn’t wait for me to witness her closet.

Her wardrobe was the main focus of our organizing session for the day; you could tell she was delighted that this was where she would be spending our time together. Upon entering her closet, I couldn’t help but notice many designer shoes (some never worn) and many designer labels on her dresses and accessories. She seemed almost intoxicated by the fact that the closet reflected an aura of status few could rival.

The professional organizing industry is by nature a witness to what our clients/society value. Our western world hungers to be significant and is willing to do anything to obtain attention. Getting noticed and adored is the hallmark of all advertisements.

Jesus was very clear in his admonishment to the Pharisees in Matthew 23. Their status was reflective in their garments to indicate their spiritual superiority, and they sought to increase that superiority by the design and placement of the phylacteries and tassels. It was of upmost importance that they projected a superior ‘Rabbi" attitude insuring that they would gain respect and obtain all the very best places of honor. Their aim was to be noticed and revered.

Jimmy Chu shoes say much the same; at least they spoke to my client that way. Her hunger for significance is an inherent drive that desires recognition and relational significance. Attempts like hers to find that significance through material possessions are common within our industry. We not only see them played out in material goods, but in careers, vacation destinations and friendships. As an organizer, I have witnessed the twisted intent of a world searching for significance without the Lord. At times I have felt a heavy burden for my clients, but I know that as my client relationship deepens, their trust in the organizing process will also take on new directions.

The most powerful tool that I bring to every organizing session is a mirror. It is I that become the mirror, reflecting back their actions and thought processes. By restating their words and holding up objects for examination, they begin to see their thoughts clearly. I am continually amazed that God uses this process to change beliefs and habits that have been ingrained for years.
　
Prayer

My significance comes from my personal relationship with Jesus, the risen Christ!!! I am significant because I am a daughter of the living God! The great thing about that is that NO ONE can take it away from me! My status does not make me "who" I am; Christ makes me "who" I am! My place in this world does not make me "who" I am; Christ makes me "who" I am! It's SO incredibly freeing to know that whatever I "DO" in this life, whether it is big or small in the eyes of people, will always be BIG to my God because I "do" what I do for HIM! For HIS glory! And He smiles on that and says, "That "is" BIG!"

So, my friend, find your significance in God! Allow Him to show you your significance in Him! My prayer is that each one will find his own significance in the God of the universe, the God of all creation, and may you be richly blessed by truly knowing Him as Lord and Savior!

This Prayer is written by Katie Schlatter. You can find Katie at My Father's House.